Zidane lauds French young talents after Belgium thrashing

France coach Zinedine Zidane has lauded his team for their performance against Belgium after thrashing the Red Devils 4-1 in the second leg of the UEFA Nations League.

Zidane again praised Bayern Munich winger Michael Olise, who came on to provide an assist and score two goals.

Olise was the difference-maker in the first leg in Belgium, when the game was almost ending goalless.

Speaking at the press conference after the team’s victory, the French legend pointed out that the second half was very different from the first, which lacked penetration in the final third.

Delighted with the result, he said he was happy the 2018 World Cup winners were finishing the international break on a very positive note. 

France earned ten points from four UEFA Nations League games, winning three and drawing once.

This is exciting to the tactician, noting that there are things to improve.

 “We’ll need to get more players into the box to be more effective, but that will come with time. My best memory? It’s when I saw my players at Clairefontaine for the first time. I chose this profession; it was my dream. I’ll be frustrated for a few days, then I’ll keep working by going to see my players.”

Zidane,, who also handed Manchester United defender Leny Yoro his international debut,, noted that the center-back role is competitive.

France still got the job done despite the absence of William Saliba and Ibrahima Konaté due to injuries.

After 15 days with the team, Zidane still has no starting eleven in mind.

He also lauded Guillaume Restes and other young players for their fantastic attitude in the match and throughout their camping.

“I made the decision to play Guillaume because he needs to experience what it’s like to play for the French national team, not just in training but on the pitch, in a match, in case something happens with Mike (Maignan),” he added.

With the current crop of young players emerging, the future looks bright for the French national team.